Launch a Personal Shopper Business

The type of personal shopping business you want to run.

Fashion. This could be general or even specializing in a specific area, such as shoes, professional or special occasion clothing.

Necessities. Personal shopping for necessities includes things like grocery shopping or running errands.

General. Responsibilities for this type of personal shopping can include things like organizing services for clients in addition to shopping. For example, you might coordinate with a lawn service or handyman.

Who is your target audience?

Professional men and women. Due to busy schedules this audience might need everything from wardrobe assistance to someone to run errands for them.

The elderly. Personal shopping for the elderly could include necessities and organizing services.

Busy parents. Working parents with hectic schedules who want to spend more family time may have clothing needs or want someone to shop for necessities.

How will you set up pricing?

Hourly rates. Using an hourly rate means that you need to have a good idea how long each task will take to complete.

Percentage pricing. Some personal shoppers charge a percentage of the cost of the merchandise.

Retainer fees. Another option is to charge a set fee on a regular basis for established clients. It’s important to have a good estimate of how long tasks will take.

How will you promote your business?

Website. Having a professional website is a necessity to promote your personal shopping business. Make sure to include testimonials from satisfied clients and photos, for things like fashion or home decor purchases.

Social media. Advertising on Facebook is extremely inexpensive and lets you customize the people who will see your ads. It’s also a good idea to have active social media sites for your business and to post frequently.

Networking. Reach out to friends, business associates and family and ask them to promote your services to their associates and friends.

Other things to consider:

How well do you know the business? Learn as much as you can about the personal shopping business before you get started. The IAPO International Association of Professional Personal Shoppers is a membership organization that provides information and professional development services for professional shoppers.
Will you need any special permits or business licenses? Check local business rules and regulations to see if you need any licensing.

What can help you be 5X more successful?

Working with a mentor can make you 5 times more likely to succeed! Entrepreneurs who work with a mentor can help you get started and help you grow. They have experience in business and can help connect you with information and contacts and avoid obstacles. Best of all, a mentor believes in you and your dream and will listen to any ideas or concerns you have.

One-on-one Mentorship

You’ll get to meet with volunteer mentors from our network of thousands of area experts in the US and across the globe.

Human Support

In addition to your personalized match recommendations, our Member Experience team will help you get started, invite you to member events, and connect you to startup resources.

Tools & Resources

Not sure where to start with your business? Our step-by-step guides will help break down important business milestones into manageable steps you can work on with a volunteer.

Funding Opportunities

We offer monthly micro-grant opportunities through our Friends & Family Fund, plus exclusive invitation to pitch for larger grants throughout the year.

Friends and Family Fund

Each month, our members vote for at least one Sky’s the Limit entrepreneur to receive a $2,500 startup grant. We’ve given over $100,000 in grants so far and plan to fund millions more.

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How it works

Step 1:
Complete a profile

Whether you want to get support for your startup or give support by mentoring or advising young entrepreneurs, it all starts with creating your free profile so you can message and meet members.

Step 2:
Message and collaborate

As a member of Skysthelimit.org, you’ll be able to message, meet, and collaborate with other members to work on projects and complete important business milestones.

Step 3:
Celebrate your wins!

Skysthelimit.org members develop valuable business skills and build meaningful relationships — all while building innovative, sustainable businesses and increasing equity in entrepreneurship!